Thursday, 10 December 2015

Review: DeaDBeat AnniverSERIES edition.

Story and art: Jeremy Massie

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Release date (digital): 9th December 2015

Another quality release in the AnniverSERIES imprint from Alterna as they celebrate their ten year anniversary. This edition is essentially the first two chapters of the original, which was released back in 2009, serving as a means to introduce and entice you to the book; I have to say it works perfectly. As soon as I'd finished this I was hungry for more and tracked down the original to finish the story.

The DeaDBeat follows a down and out, stuck in a rut ex-superhero who's life is turned upside down when his daughter suddenly walks back into his life. It's a tender little tale and Massie pulls it off well.

Massie creates the story like he he is in tune with what he wants to convey, blending the words and art nicely. The story moves along at a good pace after the initial inciting incident and the tete a tete between the hero and his daughter is compelling and written with sensitivity.

In fact it's this sensitivity that makes the tale, it's refreshing to read a superhero story that doesn't focus on the hero punching something until it's defeated, or building something that effectively punches said thing until it's defeated. Weaving a certain frailty into his character builds empathy well and you can't help but root for the downtrodden soul.

Now as always, it does seem like the AnniverSERIES are like a little taster, a bite size chunk that tantalises you and just befor your excitement peaks, it's over. So a part of you almost feels that you should just buy the real deal. But at 99 cents, or roughly 69 pence, this is a great way to introduce yourself to the book. Especially if you're unsure of what you're getting into.

DeaDBeat has took root firmly in the list of my favourite reads and I'd recommend this book to anyone, so you really haven't got anything to lose considering it's price. Join in with Alterna's celebration and head over to comixology and get yourself a copy, you won't be disappointed.